In many countries, the rule of law involves the administration of justice and security by both formal and informal mechanisms. These mechanisms, widely used in rural and neglected urban areas, are also often referred to as “traditional” justice systems.

Traditional justice systems are critiqued, sometimes with merit, for being discriminatory towards disadvantaged groups, not always adhering to international human rights standards, and depending on the skills and moral values of the individual operator. Despite the challenges, engaging with traditional systems is a necessary cornerstone for accessing justice remedies as these systems-home-grown and trusted by the communities they serve- have come to complement or replace the formal system where no centralized structures are in place. Read more.